This topic is about enjoying outdoor activities like swimming and kayaking when you have an ileostomy. The person sharing their experience used to love these activities but now feels unsure about how to manage their ileostomy pouch while spending extended time in the water. They are concerned about how water might affect the pouch and their skin. Here are some helpful tips and insights from others who have been in similar situations:

- Water exposure is usually not a problem. Many people spend hours in pools, hot springs, and open water without experiencing leaks or skin irritation. Some even find that water can improve the adhesion of the flange, making it last an extra day.

- Timing your water activities can help. Many people wait until after their usual morning routine of emptying their pouch before getting into the water. If you need to empty your pouch while out, you can simply exit the water and use nearby restrooms.

- Support gear can make a big difference. Some people use a Hollister 2-piece system with an elastic ostomy belt and a swim wrap to keep the pouch flat and secure, even during active water sports. Others have had success with Cymed one-piece drainable pouches with MicroSkin adhesive, which hold up well in daily swimming without additional tape or belts.

- Product performance can vary. Some swimmers have found that Hollister appliances are more prone to edge lifting, even with reinforcement, compared to Cymed MicroSkin pouches.

- Be prepared when kayaking or spending time at the beach. It's a good idea to carry a spare pouch, wipes, and disposal bags in a watertight bag, like a Ziploc, to keep supplies dry and manage used items until you return to shore.

- Choosing the right pouch for long outings is important. Many people prefer a one-piece drainable pouch to avoid needing a full change, but a closed pouch can also work if carrying supplies and changing in a kayak is not practical.

- Overall, with some preparation and a positive attitude, you can definitely enjoy kayaking and swimming after an ileostomy. So, go ahead and dive back into the water!